Firstly, I would like to extend numerous thanks to the artist, Rembrand Le Compte, who kindly allowed me to display his artwork in this blog post, and also on my Oddities page. They have been a source of infinite entertainment.
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Once a male has made the weighty decision to grow a beard, being mindful of the growth and upkeep is incredibly important. The way in which you are perceived, in large part has a lot to do with your physical appearance. As stated in the previous blog post, males with beards are often negatively stigmatized. Consequentially, it is both a male and female’s duty to assure that beards positively portray self-expression, and not destitution or lack of hygiene (a common stereotype).
I will provide a few steps that will detail the growing process, and general upkeep once the beard or moustache has taken shape. This post is designed for men who contemplate beards and those who already foster them – as well as curious female beard admirers, or girlfriends of bearded men.
The Initial Stages
- All About Beards suggests that no dramatics need to be involved, once you’ve made the decision to grow a beard, stop shaving. Do not shave for at least four weeks.
- Following that period of time, the beard needs to be shaped, much like shrubbery. We don’t want an unwieldy ‘stache or beard.
- Moustaches are easily managed – but males should be careful not to shave too closely. A rule of thumb as far as shaving with facial hair is the less you shave, the better. Buzzing your whiskers is a done deed.
- For those with beards, it needs to be shaped. A neck line needs to be defined, and often can be visualized as an imaginary line that is drawn from ear to ear. Again, pay heed to the rule of thumb: the less you shave, the better.
- On the flip side, the cheek line should be left alone completely. They hair growth here is limited and oftentimes, is not troublesome.
Beards for the long haul
- Males seasoned in the the upkeep of facial hair suggest that extensive trimming is either done with a beard trimmer, or by a professional.
- The proper use of a beard trimmer is best learned from a professional. It is suggested that the first trim is done by a barber. Following that, the process only needs to be mirrored on a periodic basis, dependent upon the rapidity of hair growth.
- Contrary to common belief, one needs to shampoo and condition their facial hair on a regular basis. It can be pat dry, and blowing drying a beard is highly unnecessary. Any shampoo will suffice, however, products are available specifically for facial hair.
- When trimming a beard, always clean it first.
- COMB YOUR BEARD, REGULARLY.
Growing a beard can be an “emotional roller coaster”?
Growing a beard is much like experiencing puberty – a male will have his fair share of awkward moments. The beard, within the first few weeks will also be itchy and uncomfortable. Cleanliness will make the process more comfortable.
However, once you’ve reached a certain growth point with your beard, upkeep is seemingly effortless. Rembrand, below, perfectly represented the stages of beard growth. The moral of the story? A comfort level is adopted after you’ve surpassed the seemingly unbearable growth stages, and you come to love your facial hair. Stick with it!
Don’t Fear the Beard: Fear the Lack of a Beard and the Dangers of Shaving
The dangers of shaving have made many men a victim, validating that one should foster a beard over time instead. It’s the safer choice. Razor burn, and death dealt by straight razors is not as uncommon as one would like to accept. The Art of Manliness detailed five events in which shaving was mankind’s demise.
In short, practice hygenic and safe habits with beards and moustaches. Females, hold males accountable – and invest in shampoo and a specified comb, if need be.
Remember: As Rome wasn’t built in a day, your whiskers won’t grow overnight.
For trimming, cleaning and combing supplies, visit these websites:
- Beard Care
- Beard Grooming
- Beardsley Shampoo
- Five Beard Care Tips
- How to Shave and Shaving Tips by Gillette
- The Art of Shaving
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Also, for those of you who read my last blog – you’re aware of the Movember movement. Rembrand’s cartoon in support of the charity was worth posting, even a week late. Happy bearding!
Beardlesque Brittany 